The new year is quickly approaching, which means New Year’s Eve events are around the corner! New Year’s Eve fashion is super fun with all of the sequins, sparkles, and shimmer typically involved. However, a lot of the clothing that generally classifies as appropriate for New Year’s Eve is typically difficult to re-wear. Which is 1. Not very sustainable and 2. Kind of a waste of money. I’m not saying don’t shop for a new shimmer-filled sparkly outfit to ring in the new year, but I will say before you go out to the mall or shop the look online, hit up a few thrift shops first to see what’s already out there! That way you’ll have a completely unique NYE look that won’t break the bank.
I challenged myself to visit my local thrift on a mission to find clothing that would make perfect New Year’s Eve outfits. Here’s how it went!
During the trip to my local Value Village thrifting for New Year’s Eve clothing, I basically had my eyes peeled for anything that sparkled. I came across this cute sparkly black tank with a cowl neck detail. I also found a pair of black leather pants which paired perfectly with the tank! These pieces paired with some platform heels and a clutch with some sparkle would be perfect for NYE.
I also found this purple shimmery top that could be paired with pretty much any bottoms to make a simple yet effective New Year’s Eve look.
Next, I found this colourful sequin dress that would be sure to turn heads at any NYE event! I thought it paired perfectly with a black blazer I found that had some beading details throughout it – making it totally NYE-approved.
When I came across this gradient sequin dress on the rack, I was super excited to pull it out and take a look, and I was not disappointed! The gradient reminds me of a night sky in a way, so it feels super fitting for NYE. I think it would be great styled with some sheer black tights, black heels, and maybe even an oversized blazer.
I think this silver dress by BCBG Max Azria would be great for a New Year’s Eve house party, possibly even dressed down with a knit cardigan thrown on top to serve cozy-glam vibes. Or simply worn as-is for a general glam look.
This was probably my favourite find of the entire visit. It feels like a modern style NYE dress and looks effortlessly chic with its boxy silhouette. I love the mix of sequin and sheer black fabric too, it just feels luxe. I think it would be perfect for absolutely any NYE event!
The last couple of pieces I found were a leather black skirt with some hardware details, which add a bit of grunge, and another sparkly tank! One thing I learned on this thrift trip is that there is no shortage of sparkly tank tops at the thrift. I picture the tank tucked into the skirt and paired with some knee-high boots and a moto jacket to give a more “cool-girl” NYE vibe.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
I Tried Thrifting Cute Coats—Here’s How It Went
I Tried Thrifting 2022 Fashion Trends—Here’s How It Went
I Tried Thrifting Kim Kardashian Inspired Outfits — Here’s What I Found
7 Of The Best Stores To Shop For Fall Coats Under $150
Treat Your Wardrobe To These 8 Fall-Approved Boots
10 Stores To Shop For Warm & Chic Wool Coats
We’ve had our first snowfall here in Toronto, which means it’s about that time of year when our outfits get pretty much entirely covered by coats. Which has its pros and cons. Con: No matter how cute your outfit is, you better find a way to incorporate a coat or freeze. Pro: A coat can single-handedly carry the weight of your outfit. As much as I dislike the cold, I’m a huge fan of styling cute coats and have accumulated quite a few at the thrift store over the years. Living in a place like Toronto, it’s great to have a few go-to’s to get through the winter!
Coats can get to be pretty expensive, even from fast-fashion stores you can almost always expect to pay at least around $100. Which is one of the many reasons I always try the thrift store first. Now that the cold weather is officially upon us, I decided to go on a coat hunt at my local Value Village to see what I could find, and what you could find, too!
Keep reading to see What coats I found at my local Value Village!
The first coat – or jacket if you will – I came across was by London Fog. It’s made of water-proof material and actually feels quite heavy. Which equals a little more warmth! My favourite part about this jacket is its unique snap closures. I ended up adding this one to my own collection, but don’t worry the rest I left in the store ready to be found.
Next, I found this super chic navy-blue trench coat! It reminds me of something that one of the royals might wear if it were a tad more tailored. But I actually prefer the loose, boxy fit. I also love the contrast piping it features throughout.
In case you haven’t heard, The Matrix is in. Which is exactly what this black leather trench is serving! All it needs is a pair of opaque sunglasses and it’s a whole look. I love finding my leather pieces at the thrift store, it’s guilt-free and a lot more affordable than buying them new. This one definitely needs to be de-wrinkled but is still so cool.
It doesn’t get much cozier than this coat! I felt its softness as I was going through the racks and had to try it on. I think this one could be styled with a high-glam outfit easily, thanks to its lux texture!
Everyone needs a puffer coat to get them through the winter – especially in Toronto! This one was extra-puffy and had a nice subtle shine finish to it, adding some extra interest to an otherwise simple black puffer.
Last but not least. An honourable mention from thrifts past. This is my all-time favourite thrift find ever. It’s a Max Mara coat that I found at a Value Village last year. If you aren’t familiar with Max Mara, it’s a high-end brand, especially known for its luxury coats. They can cost upwards of a thousand dollars and I paid just under $30 for mine.
Before making a splurge, try thrifting for cute coats first! You may just find your holy grail.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
I Tried Thrifting 2022 Fashion Trends—Here’s How It Went
7 Of The Best Stores To Shop For Fall Coats Under $150
Treat Your Wardrobe To These 8 Fall-Approved Boots
10 Stores To Shop For Warm & Chic Wool Coats
10 Of The Best Rain Boots For Spring Under $150
15 Online Stores To Shop At For The Best Winter Boots
10 Cozy Knit Sweaters To Shop
Fall Fashion Trends To Have On Your Radar
If you’re looking to shop the latest trends, I always recommend trying the thrift first. Most clothing trends are directly pulled from the past, meaning someone else’s trash (or previous clothing donations), can now become your treasure! I decided to challenge myself with the goal of finding current 2022 fashion trends I’ve been loving during a trip to Value Village.
Before I hit the racks, I made a list of what exactly to keep my eye out for. I think it’s always a good idea to have a thrift wish-list, so you don’t accidentally miss something just because it wasn’t at the forefront of your mind. Making a list makes the process more intentional and less all over the place because we all know thrifting can be overwhelming. That being said, even though I had a general list, I always go in with an open mind for more. You never know what you may come across!
Some of the general trends and specific pieces I was looking out for at Value Village were: mini skirts, lingerie style clothing, vests, ballet core pieces, coastal grandmother clothing (linen, button-ups, etc), cargo bottoms, beaded bags, clogs, and silk scarves… you get the point. Of course, I didn’t find everything on my wish list, but I am pretty stoked with what I did end up finding!
Take a look at what I found while thrifting current fashion trends!
Shoulder Bags
I always check the purse section first. This time I had my eye out for beaded purses, shoulder bags, and canvas tote bags. I had no luck finding anything beaded, but the other two bags I found totally made up for it. Shoulder bags are definitely having a moment right now! Even when they aren’t specifically “trending”, you can never go wrong with a classic shoulder bag. I came across the one pictured above while searching the purse section at Value Village because I thought the shape was really cool. I turned it around to its front and saw the word “Gucci” stamped on the front of it! I have no doubt that it was a knock-off, but still, a pretty cool find nonetheless.
Tote Bags
The simplest bag trend is taking the world by storm. The classic tote bag. People are ditching structured work bags for relaxed canvas tote bags! They’re just so effortlessly cool. I’ve had my eye out for one at the thrift for a while and coincidentally this time, I found one! It’s branded with Sperry, which gives it that nautical vibe everyone seems to be loving right now, too.
Vests
I’ve been seeing tailored vests everywhere lately! It’s the perfect piece to bring you from summer to fall too, being that it can be worn buttoned-up as a top, or layered over a shirt. This is a clothing item you can almost always find at the thrift! Both in the men’s and women’s sections depending on the overall vibe you’re striving for. The one I found was from women’s, and I liked how it had a satin back, making it a little more relaxed and less stiff than a typical menswear tailored vest.
Lingerie Tops
Another thing I’ve been seeing literally everywhere is lingerie-style tops and corsets worn as going-out tops! Don’t skip out on the lingerie section at VV, there are tons of great finds! I found a pink tank with the prettiest feminine details, that I actually ended up purchasing for myself. I think it would be super cute paired with a simple pair of jeans! I also found more of a lingerie-style top, also in pink (another trend in itself #BarbieCore), that would make for such an adorable going-out-in-the-town top!
Mini Skirts
The thrift has many mini skirts to go around and in a large variety of styles! I checked two trends off my list with this cargo-style mini-skirt I found! It’s actually a skort which makes it even cooler in my humble opinion. This piece of clothing single-handedly fills all of my late-90s and early-2000s style dreams.
Coastal Grandmother
I can’t get enough of the “Coastal Grandmother” trend, made popular on TikTok by creator Lex Nicoleta, and the thrift is the absolute perfect place to shop for it! When I was looking for clothing within the coastal grandmother theme, I pictured any clothing I may see chic grandma at the beach or gardening in, elevated it by picturing said grandmother in The Hamptons. Linen, breezy pants, neutral colours, loose button-ups… you get the vibe. The pieces I found reminiscent of this trend were a pair of white linen loose-fitting pants with a waist-tie and a short-sleeved button-up shirt (which may have also come home with me).
Baby Tees
Baby Tees are something that has been popular for quite a while now and remains relevant today! They’re really not difficult at all to find at any thrift store! I found this cute pastel striped baby-tee with a lettuce hem in the Women’s Tee-Shirt section. It’s such an easy piece to style in a multitude of ways. Bonus Tip: Depending on your clothing size, you may even be able to get away with finding your perfect baby-tee in the kid’s section!
Heels
The last thing I looked at was shoes, and there were tons of cute and trendy shoe options! If you’re a little wary of getting shoes at the thrift I recommend trying out a shoe sanitizing spray and then you’re pretty much set. One of the shoe trends I was looking out for were clogs, as I’ve been seeing them styled more and more. Although I didn’t find actual clogs, I did find a style inspired by them. I also found an adorable pair of black heels with a toe-ring detail, which is super trendy right now!
The bottom line is, I would say this thrift trip exceeded my expectations! Even though I didn’t check everything off of my list, I was impressed with how many current trends I could actually find within the walls of my local Value Village. If you’re looking to test out some current fashion trends, I hope you feel inspired to try thrifting some for a sustainable, not to mention, affordable alternative!
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
Cute Jewellery You Can Find on Amazon Right Now
25 Stores To Shop If You’re Absolutely Obsessed With Zara
10 Summer Sandals To Shop At Little Burgundy Under $100
11 Secrets About Zara Revealed By Former Employees
10 Designer Dupes You Can Find At Zara For Under $90
5 Brands To Shop If You’re Obsessed With Roots
Thrifters unite! Value Village announced its opening of two downtown stores, but with a slight twist.
These shops aren’t the typical Value Villages that we’re used to, instead, they’ll be called Value Village Boutiques.
The alleged reason for these boutique stores is to allow the company to expand into smaller neighbourhoods and really cater to the people who live in them. This also means placing a larger focus and more detailed selection process for men’s and women’s apparel, footwear, and accessories.
A spokesperson has said to Curiosity that the pricing will still be consistent with what you would find at original Value Villages, but people on social media think that it will eventually become a pricier spot for the curated pieces.
Value Village Boutique will open the first location at 639 Queen Street West on July 7 and then the second will be located at 394 Bloor Street West, with an opening date still pending.
Send us a DM on Instagram if you’re excited about this new concept or if you don’t think it’ll be worth the hype.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
Top Brands That Have Expansion Plans For Canada In 2022
40+ Top Brands That Have Expanded In Canada In 2021
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2021
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2020
6 American Stores Worth Crossing The Border For
The nature of thrifting is always hit or miss, however where you’re thrifting can totally affect your success rate. If you’re someone who’s new to the world of thrifting, it can be challenging to find your favourite locations, especially when it comes to Value Village. As you get comfortable with thrifting, you’ll soon find your go-to spots where you seem to have the most luck. Some locations are more organized than others, and some are just over-crowded, and seem to always be picked over. There are pros and cons of a quiet Value Village just as much as a busy one — it’s all about preference, but we’re here to help you experiment to help you find your top spots. We know that thrifting at Value Village requires some patience, but opting to shop there over chain stores or even curated thrift stores will definitely help you save.
Here are the best Value Village locations to shop at in the GTA.
70 Bristol Rd E, Mississauga
This Mississauga Value Village is a huge location with a great selection. It’s one of the more organized Value Village’s which always makes it easier to sift through the racks, especially if you’re a thrifting newbie!
2030 Appleby Line, Burlington
This Value Village is located in Burlington, about an hour away from Toronto and it’s known to be super clean and organized! It’s also rarely busy, which is always nice. It has a great selection of various types of clothing, so regardless of your style, there’s something at this Value Village for everybody.
1525 Victoria Park Ave
This Scarborough Value Village is a favourite for many. It’s known to have a great selection of name brands and high-end finds but obviously, there are no guarantees when it comes to thrifting. However, a lot of people have had a good record of success at this location, plus, it’s one of Value Village’s larger locations, so there’s more to go around.
10620 Yonge St, Richmond Hill
This gem of a Value Village is located in Richmond Hill and has a large selection with tons of variety across all genres — not just limited to apparel. This spot is also known to be very clean and tidy, which seems to be a running trend in the best Value Villages!
50 Horseshoe Crescent, Hamilton
This GTA Value Village is a little bit off to the sides in the suburbs, which is a general thrifting life hack! Some of the best Value Village locations are hidden in smaller cities, or hidden in the suburbs because in general, they are picked over less. Let’s face it, thrifting isn’t a secret anymore and people are quick to grab the good finds, so sometimes searching through a lesser-known Value Village is worth it!
924 Queen St E, Toronto
Although this location is on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean you can’t score. This VV tends to be busier, but that just means it’s constantly rotating inventory. Another great thing about this one is that it’s in such a prime area of the city, which means people are constantly donating here. This location has a great jewelry selection in particular, which is a great tip for those of you looking to build your jewelry collection! Value Village is a great way to get more with your budget. Pro tip: there are often quality pieces behind the glass at the front.
1319 Bloor St W, Toronto
This Toronto Value Village located on Bloor Street West has a great reputation for its great selection! While this location is on the busier side, folks say there’s a quick turnaround with clothing constantly coming out on the floor as fast as it leaves. So, if you don’t mind a little competition from savvy thrifters, check out this Value Village location!
45 Woodbine Downs Blvd, Toronto
This Value Village is located in the Etobicoke area and is another one totally worth checking out. People say the prices at this location are on point as well and there’s also a great selection — what more could you want in a thrift store? This location also has a ton of inventory and is quite organized for the amount of inventory, as well.
530 Fennell Ave E, Hamilton
This Hamilton Value Village is a large location with tons to go around! Every department at this VV is almost always fully stocked, so if you’re looking to go on a bit of a shopping spree this one may be worth checking out.
1030 Wilson Ave, North York
This GTA Value Village in North York is a VV location with a huge selection, and it’s not limited to just clothing! Always remember Value Village also carries books, movies, video games, furniture, and more. This spot is super spacious which always makes it easier to sift through and spot those rare thrift finds we are all keeping an eye out for.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
I Tried Thrifting For Meghan Markle Inspired Clothing – Here’s How It Went
10 Things Every Value Village Shopper Needs To Know
Here’s What It’s Like Shopping On ThredUP, The Largest Online Consignment & Thrift Store
7 Of The Best HomeSense Locations In The GTA
The 9 Best Consignment Stores In And Near Mississauga
At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your fave stores. Hidden offerings, insider secrets, and the ultimate savings are what we live for!
Here are things every Value Village shopper needs to know.
1. Sign up for the Super Savers Club Card
Be sure to pick up a Super Savers Club Card the next time you’re leaving Value Village. You’ll get an initial 25 per cent off discount coupon after you register the card online, but you’ll also get information on special sale events, members-only coupons and birthday offers. By getting a club card, you’ll stay up to date on what’s happening at your local Value Village.
2. Donate!
When you donate items at Value Village, it translates into revenue for their 140 nonprofit partners across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. But of course, there’s something in it for you! When you donate your gently worn clothes, Value Village will give you a coupon for a specified dollar amount off your purchase of $10 or more. This way you can feel good about buying more clothes.
3. Give Yourself Enough Time
Value Village is not a quick, in-and-out experience. It takes time to dig through all the racks of clothing and then even more time trying the clothes on and then deciding what to buy. Allocate yourself a couple of hours to thrift through the store to ensure you find what you’re looking for. Grab your girlfriends and make an afternoon of it! They’ll also provide you with a second opinion on pieces you aren’t quite sure of.
4. Watch the Tags
The tags at Value Village are basically a secret sale code. The tags are colour coded to reflect when an item came in and each week a different coloured tag is on sale. Usually, it is announced over the loudspeaker what colour tag is on sale, but the employees are happy to tell you as well. So ask away and start doing some major savings!
5. The Dry Cleaner and Tailor are Your Friends
Regardless of which Value Village you go to, there’s a certain smell that is bound to hit you at some point during your shopping experience. But don’t be afraid, because it’s just the smell of clothes that need a good wash. They’ll be good as new after a round at the dry cleaners so don’t let the smell deter you. Sometimes you have to endure that smell in order to find that perfect piece you’ve been looking for. And befriend a tailor, too! If you find a piece you love but, let’s say, the shoulders are too big or the legs are too wide, take it to the tailor! Investing an extra $10 in something you’ll wear time and time again is always worth it.
6. Keep an Open Mind
When thrifting, you’re bound to find a few crazy items – it’s the nature of Value Village. But sometimes you find something that’s so crazy it just might work. It’s something you laugh at for being so out there but you feel guilty for not having the courage to pull it off yourself. Well put that item in your cart and give it a shot! Value Village is the place for taking risks; it’s a place where you can mix and match things you would have never thought possible. So keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try on certain items.
7. Look for Problems
Now, don’t be a Negative Nancy or anything, but when it comes to thrift shopping it’s best to expect the worst. Say you find a gorgeous designer dress… but why did someone want to give away an article of clothing so seemingly perfect in the first place? Maybe there’s a huge stain on it. Or the zipper doesn’t work. Regardless, be sure to examine everything carefully. There’s nothing worse than getting a new item home and realizing it has an unfixable issue.
8. Shop Off-Season
Rather than heading to Value Village at the same time as everyone else, try shopping at non-peak times. Many off-season items are on sale during their opposite season, such as sandals in winter. They may not be marked on sale, but the prices are often lower than if you try to buy them during the season. You won’t get to wear them right away, but when the right season finally rolls around, you’ll be thankful you bought those sandals at half off when you did.
9. Know Good Value
Not every item you find at Value Village is going to be a home run. Yes, there are diamonds in the rough, but it’s a long journey through multiple racks of clothes to get to said diamonds. With practice, you should become familiar with what’s good quality and what is worth leaving behind. A polyester sweater isn’t going to hold up like a cashmere one. Pay attention, know quality when you see it.
10. Shop With a Goal in Mind
In need of more clothes for work? Shopping for staple items? Or just looking for a signature piece to add to your wardrobe? Whatever the reason, a great way to navigate Value Village is by shopping with a goal in mind. Don’t go in with your head in the clouds or you’ll be sure to get lost amongst the racks. When going in with a goal, you are more likely to find what you’re looking for.
11. Check Out A Couple Of Locations
If you’re planning on making a trip to Value Village, try and head over earlier in the day since a lot of the items get picked over by the evening. Plus, try and visit a couple of locations on your shopping adventure, to make it worthwhile. Sometimes you may not find what you’re looking for at just one spot. Enjoy more of a selection to browse through and score awesome deals.
Posts you may be Interested in:
10 Things Every Shoppers Drug Mart Shopper Needs to Know
10 Things Every Amazon Shopper Needs to Know
10 Things Every Indigo Shopper Needs to Know
10 Things Every IKEA Shopper Needs to Know
10 Things Every Hudson’s Bay Shopper Needs to Know
The new year is a common time for folks to set goals and reflect on ways to better themselves, especially goals that are somewhat time measurable. One of my personal resolutions is to get fit and maintain a healthier relationship with fitness. A main thing that inspires me to workout is new and cute workout gear, and I’m sure I’m not alone on this. The reality is when you feel cute and confident, you’re likely to be more productive in whatever it is you’re doing, including exercise!
Of course, shopping for workout gear can get to be pretty expensive, and overspending on clothes probably isn’t the best way to start out the new year — especially when you can find everything you need at your local thrift store.
I went to my local Value Village to try and update the workout gear in my wardrobe, keep reading to see what I found!
The first outfit I tried on is head to toe Lululemon! I was especially excited to find a pair of Lululemon leggings as they usually retail for around $100 and these were only $12 at the thrift store. The bad news is I already own these exact leggings – and I paid full price!
This is a perfect example of why you should remain patient when looking for something at the thrift store. I paired the leggings with a cute Lululemon purple tank top that had a built-in sports bra. Then I completed the look with a pink Lululemon sweater to make it a whole set.
Surprisingly there were actually quite a few Lululemon sweaters to choose from.
The next outfit is something you’d most likely see me in while working out. I’m wearing the same Lululemon leggings with a baggy Adidas t-shirt and some bright green New Balance sneakers I found in my size. Pro tip: oversized tees are super easy to find when thrifting so there really is no need to buy them brand new.
I’m all about the comfort most of the time when working out, and to me a pair of leggings and a larger tee is what I’m usually most comfortable in at the gym.
Again I’m in the same Lululemon leggings as before but this time I paired them with a Puma sports bra and an Adidas zip-up sweater.
Working out without a sports bra sounds kind of torturous and they can get to be pretty expensive, especially if it’s a name brand.
Because of this, there’s no shame finding some good sports bras when thrifting. When I’m at home I often will workout in just a sports bra and leggings, but sometimes it’s nice to start your workout in a sweater.
This workout outfit is the ultimate cozy fit.
Sometimes you just want to wear sweats when working out, and that’s totally fine. I’m wearing a grey Nike zip-up hoodie with a TNA workout tank paired with some grey sweats I actually found in the men’s section. When dressing in all sweats I prefer to keep it neutral and not too bright, so finding this look in all grey was perfect for me!
The next outfit I put together I switched out the Lululemon leggings for a pair of cropped Nike leggings that have reflective detailing which makes them perfect for running.
The best part of this outfit is the amazing Nike windbreaker I found. Having a nice workout jacket/windbreaker is essential when building your workout collection, especially if you want to enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking or biking! Working out doesn’t always have to be in a gym.
The thrift store is a great place to find great windbreakers, especially cool vintage style ones.
The last outfit I put together consists of the same Nike leggings but this time I paired them with a bright neon orange top from Victoria’s Secret PINK.
The shirt was made out of a stretchy, thin fabric and it’s super soft and comfortable — perfect for working out.
Overall I would say this thrift-trip was a success because after seeing what can be found at the thrift store, I would have a hard time paying full price for workout gear.
Something I did find more challenging was finding good sneakers as shoes are always a little more tricky as the sizing is more sensitive than clothing. That being said, again, patience when thrift store shopping is key.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
12 Canadian Workout Brands That Will Have You Sweating In Style
Fitness Studio Owners Explain Why Classes Are So Expensive
From Bars And Restaurants To Retail: The Changing Face Of The Gym
9 Places To Score Discounted Or Free Fitness Classes In Toronto
6 Workouts In Toronto That Are Fun & Effective
We all know how expensive the holiday season can be, especially when you buy a new outfit or dress every time you have some type of holiday event to go to! Whether you have multiple holiday parties coming up, or even just one, I urge you to at least test your chances of finding the perfect holiday look by shopping at your local thrift store.
Yes, the thrift store can be hit and miss at times, but it’s 100% worth a try to help save some money this holiday season. An added bonus is it’s likely you won’t be caught in the same dress as someone else!
I took the challenge of going to the thrift store having only holiday party outfits on my mind to see what I could find, here’s how it went!
This is the first dress I tried on, I originally gravitated to this dress because I loved the satin fabric and length but once I had it on, I wasn’t really a fan of the neckline. Normally I don’t mind sleeveless dresses but this one wasn’t particularly flattering on me. However, it could definitely work with a cute cardigan or blazer.
Okay, so this dress was definitely a total no-go.
I wanted to try it on because I loved how sparkly it was. I also loved the scoop-neck but it just didn’t work on my body type, which is just the nature of the trial and error of thrifting!
This dress could totally work on someone else and be holiday appropriate with the right accessorizing, but it was just too tight and short on me for my liking.
This dress was one of my favourites because it would be perfect for any holiday party in my opinion, because it could be dressed up or down depending how it’s styled.
I loved the silhouette of this dress and found it to be really flattering on my body type and I was also obsessed with the sleeves. The emerald green colour topped off the dress making it totally holiday appropriate. (Note: I purposely wore nylons, but found these pumps while I was there!)
As you can tell by my reaction, this dress was a complete fail.
I originally wanted to try it on because, naturally I’m attracted to sparkly things. Plus, finding a nice dress at the thrift store would be a total score for a fancy holiday party, but once I put it on, it just was not what I was envisioning.
I loved the top and sparkle detailing, but the fit and length was just awkward.
When thrift store shopping, the key is to stay open minded and not get discouraged.
It’s important to remember that not everything will work out as planned, which is why you should always try things on.
This dress would be perfect for a work-related holiday party or event, because it’s classy but is still chic and trendy! The length of it is super flattering and not too short, which is something I appreciate, because there’s nothing worse than fiddling with your dress all night.
You can’t go wrong with a classic black dress for any party.
The off-the-shoulder lace detailing adds a little something extra, making it a little more fun and holiday worthy.
If you were thinking this dress is a little short, think again because this number has built-in shorts and I don’t think anything could be better for holiday partying. I loved the lace sleeves on it and I found the silhouette really flattering. Did I mention the built in shorts?!
Last but not least, and quite possibly my favourite of all the looks. Who says you need to wear a dress to a holiday party? I wanted to add in trousers to show that if you can’t find a dress that works for you, or if you simply just don’t feel like wearing a dress, you can totally make pants work.
I found this whole look during my one trip to Value Village including the pants for $9.99, the sheer top for $6, the tank top for $3, and the shoes for $8, totalling about $27.
I think the red trousers complete this whole outfit, and can definitely be worn again, which is always a plus!
Overall, I think there is tons of potential of finding holiday party outfits at the thrift store.
Of course, there are always some ups and downs when it comes to thrift store shopping, but I would totally wear some of these looks to a holiday party. Plus, who doesn’t love a good thrift store challenge?
Articles You May Be Interested In:
I Tried Thrifting For Aritzia Inspired Clothing, Here’s How It Went
How A New Netflix Series Is Driving A Surge In Thrift Store Donations
Style Test: I Tried Shopping Plus Size Vintage At Value Village
20 Places To Donate Your Used Clothing In Toronto
10 Things Every Value Village Shopper Needs To Know
The last time I was in New York, I stopped by a store called Plus Brooklyn and there was an entire section dedicated to vintage. It had been quite some time since I had gone digging through some vintage racks, as more often than not, I am usually disappointed as a fat babe trying to find good vintage threads in larger sizes. As I was digging through the racks, this got me thinking: are there any good plus-size vintage haunts in Toronto? After doing some digging in the plus-size clothing group I’m part of, the one name that kept coming up was Value Village. I had always been uncertain of what the retailers plus-size selection would be like, or if there would be clothes for sizes 20 and above.
So I decided to head over to the location at Bloor and Lansdowne and check it out for myself. Here are some things that I found out after shopping plus size vintage at Value Village!
Instagram/@amascriver
Give Yourself Lots Of Time!
So it is easy to become overwhelmed when you step into Value Village. When I got there, I tried to give myself a lot of time, unaware of if I would find anything or not. Also taking into account that I was going to have to try on EVERY single piece of clothing that I picked up. Does this sound exhausting? Yeah, that’s because it is. Bring water, take a deep breathe, and get ready. Not everything is sorted and the sizing isn’t always in the place you need it to be — but you can, and will find will you need.
Okay, But Honestly: What’s The Sizing Situation Like?
StyleDemocracy
Actually, it’s not bad. There is a distinct section that offers XL and XXL, and during my visit,I found brands like Torrid, Joe Fresh, and Old Navy on the rack. For example, I copped a great black Torrid tank top for $6.99, which I have already worn multiple times. It also helped me have a good idea of what to expect from the sizing! I also found some more traditional old-school vintage, which actually fit my body (size 18/20) and found pieces that went up to a size 24.
The team at Value Village has told me that if you’re trying to get your hands on the newest items in the store, it’s best to go first thing in the morning. Also, some of my pals (who have been vintage picking for years) suggest visiting vintage stores or other Value Village shops outside of Toronto, as the plus-size selection actually gets better. Things to consider, especially if you have a car and are down to make a day trip of it.
Is It True Vintage Or Just All Logo Tees – Real Talk!
StyleDemocracy
You know I would never do you dirty like that. So the thing I really loved while going through the racks at Value Village was that it had a mix of newer brands that we shop for day-to-day online and offline (as mentioned above). Then there were racks of truer vintage pieces, mostly from the ’80s and ’90s. I tried on a few blouses from the ‘80s that ranged in the $10.49 price point, but didn’t find anything that vibed with me. When you get to the racks, remember to keep an open mind and try everything on. I ended up grabbing a red and black, animal-print turtleneck which is not something I would normally wear. But I put it on and thought, YES. I must have this. It was $7.99 and a total steal.
Tailoring Is Your Friend
All of the items off the racks were actually in really great shape, and one skirt still had the tags still on it. One of the skirts I ended up purchasing (a hot pink number with pockets, $5.49) was missing a button. But for the price, I could totally justify taking it to a tailor, or better yet — purchasing a button and sewing a new one on myself. Another skirt I purchased for $8.49 is one of the most perfect additions to my wardrobe but it absolutely needs pockets. I have already consulted with a tailor to see how we can do this. With tailoring and the cost of the piece, it is literally the same price as something you’d buy at Forever 21.
Instagram/@valuevillage_thrift
So with all that said, I want to acknowledge that shopping for vintage can feel like an exercise in futility. But if you can find that special piece that you love, and it fits, and the price is perfect — it will feel as if the stars have aligned. Perhaps it’s time to pay a visit again to Value Village or another vintage shop.
Featured Image: StyleDemocracy
Articles You May Be Interested In:
My Honest Opinion On Anthropologie’s New Plus Size Collection
What Knix’s All Inclusive Swimwear Line Looks Like On 5 Different Body Types
Why The Fashion Industry Is Still A Long Way From Being Size Inclusive
7 Unique And Affordable Etsy Shops For Vintage Clothing
8 Stores To Buy A Super Cute Plus Size Swimsuit For Summer